title: Subjective fatigue in children with hearing loss: some preliminary findings.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study, the authors examined the effect of hearing loss on subjective reports of fatigue in school-age children using a standardized measure.
  
  
  METHODS
  As part of a larger ongoing study, the authors obtained subjective ratings of fatigue using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Multidimensional Fatigue Scale ( Varni, Burwinkle, Katz, Meeske, & Dickinson, 2002). This standardized scale provides a measure of general fatigue, sleep/rest fatigue, cognitive fatigue, and an overall composite measure of fatigue. To date, data from 10 children with hearing loss (CHL) and 10 age-matched children with normal hearing (CNH) have been analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  These preliminary results show that subjective fatigue is increased in school-age children with hearing loss (Cohen's d = 0.78-1.90). In addition, the impact of hearing loss on fatigue in school-age children appears pervasive across multiple domains (general, sleep/rest, and cognitive fatigue).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  School-age CHL reported significantly more fatigue than did CNH. These preliminary data are important given the negative academic and psychosocial consequences associated with fatigue. Further research is needed to determine the underlying mechanisms responsible for this increased fatigue in school-age children with hearing loss, and to identify factors that may modulate (e.g., degree of loss) and mediate (e.g., hearing aid or cochlear implant use) its impact.
authors.forename: Benjamin W Y
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Hornsby
authors.forename: Krystal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Werfel
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Camarata
authors.forename: Fred H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Bess
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D005221:Fatigue / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D006310:Hearing Aids; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D005222:Mental Fatigue / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires